Varicose veins and support stockings

General Information

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, prominent veins usually found on the legs. Varicose veins can look twisted or bulging, and are usually blue or dark purple. Many people with varicose veins will not have any other symptoms, but sometimes they can be painful and can cause aching, throbbing or itching. These symptoms tend to be worse if you have been on your feet for a long time.

Varicose veins develop when blood pools in the veins, causing them to enlarge. The reasons some people develop varicose veins are not fully understood, but some risk factors have been identified.

Varicose veins do not always need to be treated, but people who experience pain or discomfort or develop complications, such as leg ulcers, may require treatment. Others may wish to have treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Risk factors for varicose veins

being female

increasing age

pregnancy

family history of varicose veins

being overweight

having a job which involves standing for long periods

Deep vein thrombosis and air travel

Blood clots are formed when your blood stops moving and coagulates. If a clot, or thrombus, forms in the deep veins of the legs, this is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If all or part of this clot is dislodged, it can travel through your blood circulation and cause a blockage in the narrower blood vessels of your heart or lungs.

Air travel of more than 4 hours increases the risk of DVT. This is thought to be due to many factors, such as reduced cabin pressure in the aircraft at high altitudes, reduced movement in cramped conditions and dehydration. This causes fluid to move from your blood vessels into the surrounding tissue, causing thickening of the blood and making clots more likely to form. In addition, the blood in your legs moves less.

Normal movement of the calf muscles when walking helps to pump blood from the legs to the heart, but this doesnâ€™t happen when you sit still for long periods, making clots more likely to form.

Research suggests that air travel can increase your risk of DVT two- to three-fold. However, it is important to realise it is not just long-distance air travel or flying economy class that puts people at risk of DVT. Sitting in one position for too long is a major factor and this can also occur during long bus, car or train journeys.

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